Reading something is better than not reading

There are many good tips for how to read the Bible better, but it all starts with reading.

If you don't read the Bible (which includes listening to an audio version) then you can't go any further. And if you discover that some Bible reading advice causes you to stop reading (due to the pressure to read more, or reading in a way you don't like) then you should change your approach so you will read.

That's not an excuse to read only the comfortable parts of the Bible or to not push yourself in someway. Instead, it's a call to get back up when you fall off, so you can muster the energy to attempt a challenge again.

"Perfect is the enemy of done"

The expression above comes from the world of productivity advice but applies to Bible reading too.

Trying to follow the perfect Bible reading plan, make sure that you read through it in a year, or really understand every passage can cause us to feel overwhelmed and unable to even open our Bibles.

In situations like that, falling back on a familiar passage or reading a smaller part is better than not reading at all.

And from my experience it can help unblock our mental hangups and help us engage deeper.

The habit of restarting

Some people never skip a day in their Bible reading habit.

But for the rest of us, restarting our habits is key.  

Some of us can get back into reading with the same gusto as before, but many of us need to build up some momentum. Speaking personally, I am the latter. If I've fallen off I need to start with a tiny habit (just a chapter). Soon I'll have a hunger for more and be reading more.    

Maybe you're similar, or maybe you have some other characteristic. Noticing how you respond to setbacks and what helps you get back into your Bible reading will benefit you no matter what you are like.

Start today

If you are looking to develop your Bible reading, then there's no better time like today.

• Grab your Bible (paper, digital, or audio) and find a small passage to get started with.
• Keep note of the parts that motivate you and where you get stuck.
• Find out what helps you restart (the gospels for me) and what keeps you from returning.

And of course, do it all with God, for God and through God.

So if you've found yourself feeling like you're not reading the Bible "properly" and so have stopped, don't worry. In the parable of the Talents the one who puts two talents to work is still praised for his work.

And once you get started reading, you can continue to improve.

[This is the start of a little series I'm working on How to Read the Bible. I'd love your feedback and correction. Thanks.]